FAQs

General Questions regarding Sabayon Linux

What is Sabayon Linux

Sabayon Linux is based on the source-based distribution named Gentoo Linux http://gentoo.org. Gentoo is a particularly customizable distribution that we have used as our base to create a pre-configured distribution. If you have other questions on Gentoo and its philosophy, I request you visit their website. In particular, Sabayon is based on Gentoo's testing branch. Gentoo's testing branch is about on par with Debian's Sid (unstable branch) releases. Though based on the bleeding edge, you will find Sabayon is quite stable and perhaps more cutting edge. Both Sabayon and Gentoo are on rolling release cycle, but Sabayon will have release snapshots.

What is Sabayon Linux based on?

Sabayon Linux is based on, and emanates substantially from, Gentoo GNU/Linux(Gentoo testing). Gentoo Linux is one of the most popular source-based Linux distributions. As Ubuntu uses some of the packages from Debian, so Sabayon recieves its packages from Gentoo. In particular, Sabayon is based on Gentoo's testing branch. Gentoo's testing branch is about on par with Debian's Sid (unstable branch) releases. Though based on the bleeding edge, you will find Sabayon is quite stable and perhaps more cutting edge. Both Sabayon and Gentoo are on rolling release cycle, but Sabayon will have release snapshots.

Sabayon when using the package manager Entropy is binary based. (currently Sabayon has about 10,000 packages in Entropy)

Sabayon is, when using the package manager "Portage" source based. (the Gentoo repo is quite huge)

What is the difference between source-based and binary based distribution?

Most distros, such as Ubuntu, Debian, Red Hat, Fedora and SUSE, install binary packages. Simply put, a binary package is the pre-compiled program, compiled on another computer and made available for download and installation on other computers.

A source-based distro is a distro that compiles its programs from source code on the target computer at the time of installation, rather than relying on others to compile and package them. Source-based distros generally also have in their repositories some binary (pre-compiled) packages; these will be the large programs such as OpenOffice, the reason being that the compilation of these can take several hours.

overlays

Overlay: We have our own Portage overlay for ebuilds. Ebuilds are script files that contain instructions for the Portage package manager on how to install the package from its source code.

Performance: We have modified the Portage make.conf file in order to ensure that our distribution will run at higher speed on newer computers and as fast as possible on older computers.

Variability: Again, we have modified make.conf in order to cater for a wide spectrum of hardware using the x86 and amd64 (x86_64) processor architectures.

Entropy: We have a binary manager that can be used as the one and unique package manager. It functions also with Portage so that you can use them both if you are an experienced user. The Entropy binary packages are ready-built and can be installed immediately without the need to compile anything from the source code.

The main branch of Gentoo is considered Gentoo stable. Sabayon is based on Gentoo's testing branch.

Sabayon has different versions ready for quick and pain free installation. The Gentoo installation is done from the ground up, relying on you to make all the configuration choices.

Gentoo has use flags. Sabayon will ignore use flags when using Entropy, but will apply the use flags when using portage.

Why choose Sabayon Linux ?

1. Variety

Sabayon has multiple editions to choose from. From a variety of desktops to a variety of packages and installations that can enjoyable to new linux users to the power users that prefer a high level of customization.

2. Sabayon is a rolling release.

Once installed you should not need to reinstall updated versions as you can use the updates tools on your desktop. This also allows you to have the latest and greatest packages available to you at all times.

3. The Anaconda installer.

The Anaconda installer in Sabayon greatly simplifies installation including disk partition setup and disk encryption if you desire.

4. Choice of package managers and repo's.

Sabayon's package manager Entropy is binary and currently contains about 10,000 packages. Gentoo's package manager Portage is source based and quite huge.

5. Support

Sabayon is highly maintained. You can find help through our forums, live help, and ever growing wiki.

6. Look and feel.

Sabayon is generally considered 1 of the more attractive Linux distro's to the eye. From the installer, to the desktops, and down to even the terminal which has a color scheme applied to make any work on the command line pleasing to the eye and easy to understand.

7. Using Sabayon helps to save the world

Test results have shown using Sabayon Linux improves the economy; helps reduce global warming; is generally good for the environment; promotes world peace; and helps to fight off alien invasive species from other galaxies. It is also shown to be helpful in improving the health of you sense of humor, which is important to keep from bashing your head on the key board during difficult moments. (Test results may vary as number 7 is considered an attempt at humor)

Should I use Sabayon as a source-based or binary based distribution?

Sabayon Linux has two package managers: Entropy (binary packages) and Portage (source packages). As you can install binary packages instead of source code-based packages, Sabayon Linux offers users a choice and the best of both worlds. The binary packages in the Entropy repository have been built by using the Portage package manager and then packaged using Entropy packaging tools on that computer. The binary packages are stored in the Entropy repository and you install them on your computer by using either the Equo command line client or the Sulfur GUI client. As the release time and date of packages are a little different between the 2 package managers it is recommended to use one package manager consistantly to avoid conflicts.

Generally, using Entropy with binary packages is recommended to new users and those who just want everything to work easily.

Portage(source based) is recommended for more advanced users who wish to customize thier installation to a higher degree.

There are two main advantages to source-based distributions. Firstly, source-based distros often have the newest software before binary distros do. This is due mostly to the fact that, rather than having to compile a package and then test it on different machines, all that is required in something like Sabayon Linux is a file telling it where to find the source code and how to compile it. Secondly, undoubtedly a program will eventually have a feature you don't need, and will just take up space or slow down the program. In a binary distro, you're stuck with this feature. In a source-based distro you have the option of removing unwanted features at the time of compilation (assuming you are using Portage rather than Entropy).

What Editions are available in Sabayon Linux?

The following choices are the main releases available in 32Bit (x86) or 64Bit (amd64):

"amd64" is also suitable for Intel based 64bit Processors

1. KDE
2. Gnome
3. LXDE
4. MATE
5. XFCE
6. Enlightenment

All of the above mentioned Desktop Environments are fully featured.

7. CoreCDX
CoreCDX is a minimal install for those wishing to configure the system more to their liking,
(for more advanced users) in 32bit or 64bit., and uses the Fluxbox Window Manager.

The liveCD/DVD

burning / checking the .iso image

One of the most common problems with burning a Linux install CD/DVD is that people sometimes don't understand that an iso image file is not a normal file. You cannot just burn the iso to disc to and expect it to work. I repeat: you cannot simply put the iso file on a blank disk and expect it to work. In order to properly make a CD or DVD out of an iso image, you need special software. Instructions for Nero and Isorecorder are included; for other programs, see the manual for the software, or just give one of these a shot.

With Nero you just select file and burn image, then select the .iso file you want to burn. The software handles the rest.

If you're looking for a good, alternative freeware solution, you can download a free image burner.

isorecorder [1] Simply download and install the correct version for your version of windows, then right click on the .iso and tell it to burn.